Preoperative Assessment

Abstract

The anaesthetic management of any patient due to undergo surgery begins with the preoperative visit. Usually, the decision to operate has already been taken, but the anaesthetist has a vital contributory role, particularly in respect of preparation of the patient and the timing of surgery. The perceived benefit of surgery must be balanced against any risks inherent to the perioperative period. The anaesthetist’s duty is to ensure that the patient is offered the best care, with anaesthesia and surgery taking place under conditions of maximum safety. The overall aims of assessment are as follows.